The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1403

The Cooper family was going through a rough patch, and Diana's younger brother, the one most capable of turning the tide, simply couldn't afford to drop the ball now!

Martin pocketed his phone and lifted his gaze, a gentle concern in his eyes, "Are you hurt anywhere else? Did you injure your hands?"

In that moment, Serena felt a rush of emotion. For a split second, she thought the boy before her wasn't half bad. He seemed genuinely caring.

"No, I'm fine." Serena averted her gaze, avoiding his eyes, "If you've got stuff to do, you can go. Don't worry about me."

"I'll stay a bit longer." Martin sat beside her, looking at her tenderly, "You haven't told me how you got hurt."

"It was snowy, the pavement was slippery, and I just fell."

She didn't dare mention that it was her clumsiness that had caused her grandpa to fall.

"Where did you fall?" Martin asked with concern.

"In the garden."

"Was it yesterday?"

"Today."

Then it clicked for Martin, "So you were feeling down and wanted to get out? Is that why you asked me to hang out?"

No wonder she had reached out.

It was because she was in pain, felt wronged, and wanted someone to be there with her.

Martin rebuked himself, "I didn't know you were hurt, and I had you walking so much today — through the lavender fields, by the Emerald Tower, and even when we left Luminescent Brook to walk to the parking lot. If I had known, I would've carried you."

"You dare?" Serena warned with a playful smile.

For some unknown reason, knowing that Martin didn't despise her brought a sweet sensation to her heart.